- John C. Drake Jr., 38, is on the run after pointing a gun at officers outside the store in La Vergne, Tennessee, police say
- His father, Nashville Police Chief John Drake, said he was “shocked and saddened” to learn his son is the suspect as he ordered a manhunt.
- Officers Ashely Boleyjack and Gregory Kern have been named as victims and are both listed in stable condition
Nashville’s police chief has ordered a manhunt for his own son after two officers were shot outside a Dollar General.
John C. Drake Jr., 38, is on the run after allegedly pointing a gun at officers outside the store on Stones River Road in La Vergne, Tennessee, around 2:20 p.m. Saturday.
Nashville Police Department’s top officer, John Drake, said he was “shocked and deeply saddened” to learn his son is believed responsible for the near-fatal shootings.
Officers Ashely Boleyjack and Gregory Kern have been named as victims and are both listed in stable condition.
The ordeal began when the duo chased a suspected stolen vehicle outside the Dollar General.
John C. Drake Jr., 38, is on the run after allegedly pointing a gun at officers outside the store on Stones River Road in La Vergne, Tennessee, on Saturday.
Officers Ashely Boleyjack (left) and Gregory Kern (right) have been named as victims and are both listed in stable condition.
When she met Drake Jr. came into contact, a struggle ensued, during which he allegedly pulled out a gun and shot them, police said. LaVergne Police Chief Christopher Moews.
Kern was shot in the right groin and right forearm and remains at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, while Boleyjack took a bullet in her left shoulder and was released Saturday.
Nashville Police Chief John Drake said his son “must be found and held accountable for his actions” and urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact police.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn that my estranged son, with whom I have had very minimal contact for years, is the suspect in this afternoon’s shooting of the two La Vergne police officers.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the two officers, who I understand are now in stable condition at Vanderbilt.
“Despite my best efforts and guidance during his early and teenage years, my son, John Drake Jr., now 38 years old, has resorted to years of criminal activity and is a convicted felon.
‘He hasn’t been part of my life for a while. He must now be found and held accountable for his actions.
‘I hope anyone who sees him or has information about him will contact police immediately.’
Nashville Metro Police Chief John Drake said his son “must be found and held accountable for his actions” and urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact police. (Image: Drake briefed the media on a separate incident earlier this year)
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said a statewide alert had been issued for Drake Jr., who is wanted on two counts of attempted first-degree murder.
The search involves about a dozen law enforcement agencies.
After the shooting, La Vergne police issued a shelter-in-place order for city residents. The shelter-in-place order was later lifted while the search for Drake continued, the department said in a social media post.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell issued a statement in support of the police chief.
“My heart goes out to Chief Drake, his family and the two injured LaVergne police officers. “I know that despite our best efforts – including in their early years – we cannot be responsible for the choices of family members,” O’Connell said.
“I stand with Chief Drake and stand by him during this difficult time.”